Romeo and Juliet is one of the most classic love stories of all time. Or is it? While this story is often held up as the epitome of true and young love, how do we know that Shakespeare intended it that way? When you take a closer look at the story, it seems almost like Shakespeare meant the opposite. Maybe it's possible that William Shakespeare wrote this play to show what true love is not.
Oh, the classic tale of the star-crossed lovers. They meet, fall in love.... know each other for only a few days? And then they commit suicide? Seems this isn't the perfect fairy tale story after all. A question I have been fascinated with since we started analyzing Romeo and Juliet is, did Shakespeare mean to tell about true love, or kids becoming infatuated and making stupid decisions? While my first instinct is to say "true love!", when you examine the story, it's hard to still believe that. Romeo seems to just want to sleep with Juliet, and they've only spoken once before they decide to get married. That is not my idea of love, and I don't think it was Shakespeare's either.
Besides love, another feeling that is strong in this famous tale is hate. Hate fuels the two family's feud, hate keeps Romeo and Juliet apart, and eventually, hate leads to Romeo and Juliet taking their own lives. Hate is a very strong feeling, and takes a toll on every single character. I believe Shakespeare did this on purpose, showing that hate is dangerous. But, equally dangerous, is love.
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